Wilton Earns “Gold” as Clean Energy Community, Reducing Energy by Over 20%

The Town of Wilton has earned Gold, the highest standard of recognition as a Clean Energy Community, and has been awarded a $10,000 Bright Idea Grant for Energy Efficiency Participation to be used for energy savings projects in the future.

To participate in the Clean Energy Communities program, the town had to pledge to take steps to reduce the energy consumption in municipal buildings 20% by 2018, purchase 20% of town and Board of Education electricity from renewable sources, and promote Energy programs to town residences and businesses. Nearly all of the 169 towns across CT participated in this program since its inception; and at its conclusion, only nine towns have achieved the Gold level.

Connecticut’s nationally-recognized Clean Energy Communities program has for the last decade been managed primarily by the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund and Eversource Energy in partnership with municipal governments, businesses, schools, institutions, organizations and residents. Its purpose has been to encourage communities to become more energy efficient and increase their support for clean renewable energy.

“Making commitments like this and delivering such remarkable results is an example of what we can accomplish together as a community as we strive to reduce costs and leave Wilton a better place through reduced energy consumption,” said Lynne Vanderslice, Wilton’s first selectwoman. “Congratulations to both the Wilton Energy Commission and the residents for achieving this honor.”

“The Wilton Energy Commission, and Wilton Go Green, are delighted to have partnered with the Town of Wilton on this meaningful achievement,” said Debra Thompson-Van, chair of the Wilton Energy Commission. “This is yet another proof point that the Town of Wilton values quality of life and the benefits that longer-term sustainability actions will render.”

The town has one year to decide what it will spend its $10,000 dollar grant on. In the past, proceeds from two previous $10K grants were used to insulate the yellow farmhouse at Ambler Farm and install LED lighting in Town Campus buildings.

“This is where the fun part comes in,” says Dana Gips, president, Wilton Go Green. “We’ll get together with the Wilton Energy Commission, Town leadership, and interested volunteers and propose a short list of energy-saving projects that will benefit our entire community, so ‘watch this space.’”

The mission of the Wilton Energy Commission is to promote resource conservation, energy efficiency and explore means to reduce the carbon footprint of the community through the use of renewable energy and other initiatives in public buildings, homes and local businesses. The Commission serves in an advisory role in support of the Board of Selectmen and provides education to the community on energy-related topics.